Manchester City linked to 22-year-old maestro

Manchester City have bought some unbelievable talent over the last five or so years and you’d have to say that their transfer business has largely been successful.

One area of the team where they haven’t had so much success, despite spending many tens of millions of pounds, is in the defence – and particularly in the centre of defence.

Eliaquim Mangala was an outright failure. Nicolas Otamendi is a decent if somewhat limited performer. John Stones makes mistakes and will take time to mature. And the once imperious Vincent Kompany seems terminally blighted by injury.

It’s an area of the park which arguably still needs strengthening and Manchester City have been linked to a player who has often been mentioned in relation to the club. The Daily Mirror reports:

Manchester City revive Aymeric Laporte transfer interest despite his £55million buyout clause

TFF doesn’t believe that the release clause would be a problem for Manchester City if they really want the youngster. And this is one of the few defenders who could be worth money. Still only 22 but it feels as if it’s been around for years and he has the composure of a veteran.

But Laporte also has speed, athleticism and the fearlessness of youth.

He’s been at Athletic Bilbao since 2012 and become a stalwart at the club, with 156 appearances and 8 goals in that time. The club will not want to let him leave and if he does go it will be for top dollar.

Because this is a top player who we have absolutely no doubt would be a huge success at Manchester City.

Manchester City fans: a top purchase or too expensive?